Reflection
Jesus warned those who would lead the little ones astray but he blessed those who care for them. One of the most touching things about children is their openness but this same openness leaves them extremely vulnerable. They may not say much but they feel everything. They are like crocuses which appear in the open in February—frail, delicate, beautiful creatures—innocents abroad in an unpredictable climate. If they are embraced by the sun, they will bloom to their full potential but if they are assailed by hail, they will die a premature death. Love is to a child what sunshine is to flowers.
Family Fast Day
Cafod’s Family Fast Day is this Friday, 4th October. Cafod envelopes are available at the back of the Church. Please take one away, make an offering, and bring it back and put it on the plate any time in the next couple of Sundays.
Tom Delamere from CAFOD will speak at both Masses next weekend for CAFOD’s Harvest Family Fast Day appeal. Daniel, a young man in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, is carving a better future for his family with carpentry skills he learned in a CAFOD-funded training centre. Give to CAFOD today please and you’ll fund training, tools, equipment and safe spaces so more people like Daniel can learn new skills and fulfil their God-given potential. Use the envelope in church or give online using the link below. Also, if you could spare an hour or two every now and again to help CAFOD here in the parish, please contact Ged Edwards on 07779 804241 or gedwards@cafod.org.uk.
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025
As a ‘Family of Parishes’ we have been discussing a Pilgrimage to Lourdes. This will be from Mon 22nd to Fri 26th September, 2025 - 5 days/4 nights. The total cost is £725.00. (for a Twin shared room) and after paying the deposit of £250.00. (which is required to secure your booking), leaves a balance to pay of £475.00. There is a single room supplement of £120.00. and there are only 3 Single Rooms available.
Fr. Ged will be holding an Information/form-filling meeting on MONDAY, 21st OCTOBER at 7.00.pm. in St Monica’s Parish Centre. PLEASE NOTE: You will need to bring the deposit of £250.00. and also a photo-copy of your Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months as at the date of travel. Tea & Coffee will be available.